What is Mania?

Mania is defined as a syndrome in which the mood of those affected is excessively elevated and fluctuates between carefree joy and almost uncontrollable excitement. The elation is associated with increased energy-levels, which leads to hyperactivity, pressured speech and decreased need for sleep.

Those affected often have trouble keeping their attention straight and are easily distracted. A loss of normal social inhibitions may result in a inappropriate, careless or reckless behavior.

In severe mania, there may occur so-called psychotic symptoms including delusions (mostly delusions of grandeur) or hallucinations (usually voices speaking directly to those affected).